Filling the heart with tales of the hungry

And even if you have a can opener, you need a stove or microwave to cook the meal. You must have silverware and plates and cups.

Mike and Diane Jardine reminded me of these facts during one of our many interviews while I worked on a November series about hunger in the Rock River Valley. I interviewed this couple, and a dozen others, about what it's like not knowing where your next meal is coming from.

I'd be lying if I said I was prepared to hear their stories.

I met a couple who were grateful to be able to eat two meals a day. A man who relied on Pop-Tarts between college classes because he did not have time to make it to the soup kitchen for lunch. A mother who looked forward to a free gallon of milk from a food pantry so she didn't have to cut other items from her grocery list.

I heard about children who are forced to fend for themselves on weekends because their parents would rather spend money on drugs than food. I talked with caregivers who knew youngsters who stole from grocery stores or, worse, went hungry until school started again on Monday.

Everyone was in survival mode, putting pride aside to do whatever it takes to live.

It was a difficult concept for me to grasp. I was fortunate to have come from a middle-class family that could always put food on the table. I have a job that allows me to buy food at the grocery store whenever I need it. I never have had to worry about fulfilling a basic need.

Frankly, I still can't imagine what it's like for people who do.

The silver lining of writing the articles was the outpouring of support from the community.

The Jardines unexpectedly received gift cards, bus passes, food, even a bicycle from generous folks — many of whom wanted to remain anonymous. And not one, but two women called, offering to donate a computer to Kenny Litteral, who needed the technology to return to college.

Residents donated hundreds of items to the Register Star's food drive for the Northern Illinois Food Bank, which used the food to help agencies in the Rock River Valley.

There is still so much more work to do. All I ask is that while you're grocery shopping, grab an extra can or two and drive to your local soup kitchen or pantry.